ATLANTA, GA.- The High Museum of Art recently established its first academic affiliation with a University System of Georgia institution, Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). This one-year collaboration will allow for the sharing of resources between the High and SPSU to further integrate the visual arts into their educational curricula by drawing on the High’s special exhibitions, collections, programs and Museum staff expertise.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Southern Polytechnic State University to establish our first academic affiliate agreement with a public institution,” says Patricia Rodewald, Eleanor McDonald Storza Director of Education. “Building on our mutual commitment to the integration of the arts into education, this affiliation will deepen our relationship with Southern Poly and engage their communities with great art and programming.”

SPSU students will receive free admission to the High’s special exhibitions and permanent collection. They will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and lectures and experience behind-the-scenes programs at the High. They will have access to each of the High’s special exhibition and collection catalogues in their school’s media center.

This summer, SPSU students will have the opportunity to assist with the installation, maintenance and de-installation of Dutch designer Joris Laarman’s “Digital Matter” installation that is included in the exhibition “Modern by Design,” which opens on June 4. Laarman and his lab conceived “Digital Matter” as a kinetic installation involving a robot that will construct, disassemble and reconstruct an object over an extended period of time. The selected students, currently enrolled in the mechatronics engineering program at SPSU, will work directly with Laarman in order to gain familiarity with the mechanics and robotics of the installation. They will then use their programming expertise to manage the maintenance and troubleshooting with onsite visits to the High conducted as needed during the run of the show.

“I’m happy to note that we are the first University System of Georgia institution to have such an affiliation,” said Dr. Zvi Szafran, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The affiliation with the High Museum is a win-win. Both institutions benefit from each others’ unique strengths. We’re expecting that many interesting collaborations will result from this alliance.”